The Pastor and Politics

Upon reading this I was reminded of why it is not my job as a pastor to become embroiled in politics or political issues; at least not in an activist sense. My role as a pastor is to proclaim Christ and him crucified. To invite people, powerful and weak, rich and poor to this table. Ironically this table is a political statement. It says that Jesus is Lord and the rulers of this world are not. This stable stands, feeble and weak in the midst of corrupted powers as the one true hope for the world. While politicians try to convince us of change we can believe in this table has affected the one true change this world really needs.

But this is not just true of me as a pastor – it is also true for each one of us (although I do think people are free to have and express their political opinions). We are not defined by our politics. We are defined by this table and the events and truths that it reminds us of. As we come to the table this morning let us remember that Jesus cares little for our political opinions or affiliation. He takes us as we are. This table is the one true place we find equality and peace. All because Jesus was crucified, buried and on the third day rose again! Imagine what the wold would like if we lived as if the resurrection did actually change everything!

Thanks for this good piece Scot. I sometimes wonder if our response should not even get tougher like how for example the Colbert Report mocks politics today? 🙂

phil_style

Oh how the communion table is such a sanctuary from the political storm!

Great sentiments!

Jeff Y

Amen. And loved this: “Imagine what the wold would like if we lived as if the resurrection did actually change everything!”

Joe Canner

CGC #1: Perhaps if you could figure out a way to mock politics without mocking politicians. (I’m a big fan of Colbert, BTW, but I don’t think his humor would have much place in the Church. But maybe you didn’t mean it that way….)

Dennis D

Renovatus church just started a series on The Politics of Jesus.

CGC

Hi Joe,
I just watched Colbert on Hulu this morning and that is why I referred to him. When you say “in the church” maybe you mean a worship service. Obviously his humor is out of place in that context. Since the church are Christians, my question is can Christians use biting satire, exxageration, and the like among each other? I remember Scot did a provocative piece some time ago about Jesus tough humor and how appropriate would it be in today’s cultural context? Somehow it seems to me that we are usually left with two choices. Either a mean-spirited kind of one-upmanship Christianity or a kind of Mister Rogers lets all be nice to one another Christianity. If we say we are going to really seriously follow Jesus, how do we follow Jesus in his provocative boldness, his contrarian ways, his out-spoken humor for examples? I struggle and stumble over this because my tendency is to choose love over truth and quietness over boldness when it comes to my every day encounters with people.